THE USE OF LOCAL RAW MATERIAL, COCONUT FIBRE, AS A STANDARD PH ENHANCER FOR DRILLING MUD FORMULATION IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT The importance of drilling mud in today’s oil and gas industry cannot be over-emphasized as it is among the essential ingredient for a smooth drilling process. The chemical used as PH controller are usually imported at an exorbitant price, which take a larger part of the drilling cost and have ripple effect on the economy of the Nation. Hence, the necessity to source for an alternative raw material locally to enhanced cost effectiveness. Coconut fibre contained high pH, desirable to suppress corrosion rate, hydrogen embrittlement and the solubility of Ca2+ and Mg2+ which make up clay. Burnt coconut fibres, BCF used was subjected to pH and rheological properties analysis in the laboratory on the formulated drilling mud. The results obtained revealed the pH of Burnt Coconut Fibre as 13.0 while the blank mud was 9.5 at 27oc. The rheological properties of both imported Sodium Hydroxide, NaoH and the Burnt Coconut Fibre in the formulation also revealed marsh viscosity 37cp in both mixture, plastic viscosity of 6cp and 7cp respectively. Apparent viscosity of 11cp and 13.5cp, yield point (lb/100ft2 ) of 10 and 13 respectively and Gel strength of 5.7 and 5.3 in 10 minutes respectively. The cost of production for 1bbl of Fresh Water Dispensed Drilling Fluid for both imported NaoH addictive and BCF were $7.15 and $6.17 respectively, saving over $0.8. The results established aligned with the quality standard of foreign addictive and also cost effective, it is recommended the BCF should be used i